In an 89-4 vote by the U.S. Senate, Robert Califf, M.D., was confirmed as the next commissioner of FDA last week. The accomplished cardiologist and researcher will take on the task of implementing FSMA, along with responsibilities in overseeing medical device and pharmaceutical regulations, and tobacco products.

“I commend the Senate for their bipartisan vote today and am pleased that President Obama’s nominee, Dr. Robert Califf, will become the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, said Sylvia M. Burwell, HHS secretary, in a statement. “I look forward to working with Dr. Califf to ensure the FDA can carry out every aspect of its critical mission; from ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the medical products we use, to protecting the nation’s food supply and implementing its oversight of tobacco products, to furthering our efforts to combat opioid abuse.”